Williams: The AKC invites mixed breeds to the show

Ever since its formation in 1884, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has limited its registration and events to AKC recognized purebred dogs. Through the years that list of breeds has reached 158, plus an additional 43 breeds listed in the Foundation Stock Service, the AKC’s recording program for purebreds that are undergoing the process to become AKC recognized.

However, AKC events have remained elusive to the good old all -American mutt, mixed breed or those unique, unrecognizable dogs we lovingly refer to as “Heinz 57s.”

That is, until last week.

On April 14 the American Kennel Club announced a monumental decision to implement a Mixed Breed Program allowing crossbred dogs to become registered and eligible to compete in the companion performance events of obedience, agility and rally.

Okay, before I go any further, let me explain exactly why this is monumental to those who may be unfamiliar with the history of the AKC and its competitions in particular.

The organization was founded by 12 purebred dog “sportsmen,” which back then meant “rich guys.” In the 1880’s, much of the country was still rural and very few people except rich landowners were able to breed, exhibit and compete in field trials with purebred dogs. The recorded history says the men met within the meeting rooms at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia.

I’m picturing a group of male blue bloods sitting around bragging about their dogs and trying to one-up each other. These men formed what arguably was meant to be an exclusive organization for both dogs and humans.

I’m fairly sure there weren’t many women and certainly not many non-whites exhibiting dogs back then, but through the years things did progress.

Today, women have nearly taken over the fancy, and it’s not uncommon to see a variety of races and ethnicities exhibiting their dogs. But given the AKC’s roots, opening the door to mixed breeds is pretty amazing.

However, the announcement is not going without criticism.

While mixed breeds will be able to compete, the invitation is only extended to stand alone all-breed obedience, rally and agility trials, not at dual conformation and companion events.

The conformation events are the ones most readily seen on television where the dog is being judged by how well he or she fits the breed standard. Additionally, mixed breeds will be required to enter a designated mixed-breed class and won’t actually be competing against the purebred dogs.

They will, however, be competing in the same ring, under the same judge and criteria for the level in which they’re entered.

Mixed breeds will also earn their own designated titles identified by a “-M” suffix. In other words, the AKC Companion Dog (CD) title will be referred to as CD-M when a mixed breed dog earns it. This has become a sticking point for some mixed breed owners who believe this signifies the AKC still considers mixed breeds to be less than their purebred counterparts.

Having competed in AKC events for the past 25 years, I have a different take.

Firstly, AKC obedience and agility events have become progressively highly competitive over the years, so much so that receiving a placement in your entered class is extremely difficult.

Secondly, many obedience, agility and rally trials have limited entries often making it difficult to get in. I feel this designation of a separate mixed breed class offers them the best chance at being able to compete, progress to the higher levels, and ultimately stand out. Rather than being thrown in with the rest of the hodgepodge, they will receive their own center stage.

And lastly, it’s really all about the scores anyway, no matter in what class you’re entered. If the winning mixed-breed dog receives a higher score than the winning purebred in that same level, that’s all she wrote! Scores are announced and posted and believe me, everyone will know. Not only will the mixed breed get a first place ribbon in his class, but it will get bragging rights as well.

While there are other venues that have been welcoming mixed breeds in their companion performance events for many years, with over 5,000 member and affiliate clubs and over 20,000 sanctioned shows and events offered each year, I believe the AKC mixed breed program will offer the best opportunity for mixed breed dog lovers to showcase not only their dog’s talents, but the wonderful relationship they’ve built with their dog.

Registration opens up in October, and the registered dogs will be invited to start competing in April 2010. Time will tell whether or not the program is a success. I know if I had a mixed breed I’d be one of the first to sign up. The program might have some glitches, but it’s definitely a paw in the door and a gait in the right direction.

Laurie Williams is a Stafford resident and business owner. She recently appeared with her dog Andrew on the television show, “Greatest American Dog.”